What comes to mind for me is how organisms adapt physically to their environment. Critters like rabbits and squirrels grow thick, white fur in regions with a more extreme winter season, and then shed it in the spring when temperatures grow warmer again.
Similarly, a building might change throughout the year—or even day—for thermal comfort. This can range from window blinds to mechanized solar shading systems to dynamically tinted windows.
Another analogy is how different levels of a building require different design depending on their ability to hold heat, access to light, and more. A basement level might have a thermal slab to hold heat in the winter when the ground is cold while the roof of a building might have solar panels to make use of the sun.
Underwater, a frog has padded feet to swim and its skin can take in oxygen from the water. On land, it uses its lungs to breathe. The frog is cold-blooded, so it changes temperature with its environment, making good use of its energy.
